Transcript: The Love Commandos | Dec 07, 2018

A voice over the phone says THEY’RE BEATING HER UP
AND WILL TAKE HER AWAY IN AN HOUR.

[motorbike buzzes past]
[electricity crackling]

The voice continues THEY WILL KILL HER.
THEY'RE FORCING HER TO TAKE POISON
THEY’RE BEATING HER A LOT
SHE LOCKED HERSELF IN AND THEY FORCED THE DOOR OPEN
THEY’VE THREATENED ME AS WELL

Sanjoy holds a cell phone to his ear. He is in his fifties with short,
close-cropped white hair.

Sanjoy says WHO?

The voice says THE POLICE OFFICER.
HE SAID "I’LL HANDLE YOU LATER."

Sanjoy says EH?

The voice says THE POLICE OFFICER SAID "DON'T INVOLVE ME."
AND "I’LL HANDLE YOU LATER."

Sanjoy says OKAY.
(dramatic music plays)

A car moves through the streets of Delhi. The car radio is on a newscast.

An announcer's voice says A 21-YEAR-OLD STUDENT OF DELHI UNIVERSITY
HAS BECOME THE LATEST VICTIM OF HONOUR KILLING. HER FAMILY WAS AGAINST THE
MATCH, BECAUSE ABHISHEK DOES NOT BELONG TO THE SAME CASTE.

Another announcer's voice says THE GIRL'S FAMILY STARTED THREATENING THEM,
BUT THE COPS ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE SIMPLY BRUSHED IT ASIDE

The car moves through a downtown area full of neon signs.

Announcer 1 says THE HORRIFIC INCIDENT ONCE AGAIN HIGHLIGHTING
THE RISING INSTANCES OF SUCH BARBARIC CRIMES IN THE NAME OF FAMILY HONOUR.

The car arrives at the scene of the crime. The screen fades to black. The
series title appears in large high case lettering and reads "The Love
Commandos."

From the office, a voice talks over the cell phone and says THERE’S AN EMERGENCY.
WE SUSPECT THERE IS AN HONOUR KILLING TAKING PLACE THERE. THE GIRL’S FAMILY HAS
BEEN TORTURING HER AND THE SITUATION IS NOW CRITICAL.
I’M CALLING FROM LOVE COMMANDOS IN DELHI

Sanjoy sits beside a computer. He puffs nervously at a cigarette.
A caption reads "Sanjoy." He dials on his cell phone, then holds it to his ear.
[phone beeping]
[phone ringing]

Sanjoy says COULD I SPEAK TO CHIEF SECRETARY
JHARKHAND, PLEASE?
(pause)
GOOD AFTERNOON, THIS IS SANJOY SACHDEV, CHAIRMAN
OF LOVE COMMANDOS, CALLING FROM DELHI

Sanjoy holds a printed flyer headed "Love Commandos" in his hand as he speaks.

Sanjoy continues THE SITUATION IS CRITICAL. IN THE LAST CALL THE GIRL MADE TO
OUR HELPLINE SHE SAID SHE MIGHT BE POISONED.
SIR, CAN YOU SEND SOME OFFICERS TO SAVE HER LIFE?

To an employee, Sanjoy says NISHANT’S GIRLFRIEND COULD BE KILLED,
SHE COULD BE DEAD WITHIN THE HOUR. I’M EXPECTING CONTACT FROM
THE POLICE DIRECTOR GENERAL. GET ME THE NUMBERS OF JOURNALISTS IN DHANBAD.

A young man in his twenties stands with some friends. A caption reads "Nishant."
He looks desperate.

Sanjoy says NISHANT? IS NISHANT THERE? NISHANT?

To Nishant, Sanjoy says GET ME AN ACCURATE PICTURE OF THE SITUATION. WRITE
SINDHU’S FULL NAME, THEN HER ADDRESS, AND SEND IT FROM HERE

Nishant says SHOULD I PUT IN HER FATHER’S NUMBER AS WELL?

Sanjoy explodes and says NO, NO, NO! YOU’RE BEHAVING LIKE A MADMAN!

Nishant says THEY MUST HAVE PUT HER IN A CAR AND LEFT ALREADY.

Sanjoy says LET’S TRY AND USE OUR HEADS HERE.
THEY CAN’T HAVE JUST PUT HER IN A CAR, SHE WOULD’VE RAISED AN ALARM.

Nishant says I HAD TOLD HER TO. I HOPE SHE DID.

Sanjoy goes back to the phone.

An older man sitting with Nishant, possibly his father, says WHY DID YOU LET HER GO?

Nishant says I KEPT TELLING HER NOT TO GO. SHE TOLD ME SHE'D CONVINCE THEM.

The father says SHE'LL END UP DEAD!

Nishant says I WON’T LET HER DIE! IF SHE DIES, I’LL RUIN THEM!

Sanjoy says WE HAVE NO OTHER OPTION, BUT THERE'S NO HARM IN TRYING

He dials a number.
[dialing phone]

Sanjoy says THE GIRL HAS BEEN THROWN INTO A CAR AND IS BEING TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN
PLACE... I DON'T KNOW WHETHER SHE WILL SURVIVE OR NOT.

On the radio, as Sanjoy listens, a Narrator says HONOUR KILLINGS ARE ON THE RISE IN INDIA.
IN RESPONSE, SANJOY SACHDEV AND
HARSH MALHOTRA SET UP THE LOVE
COMMANDOS, A VOLUNTARY SERVICE
THAT PROTECTS COUPLES FROM
THEIR VIOLENT FAMILIES.

A photo shows a young couple and their marriage icense.

An Announcer says THE REMAINS OF THE 21 YEAR OLD FINAL YEAR DELHI UNIVERSITY
STUDENT WERE FOUND ON TUESDAY IN ALWAR ALMOST 200 KILOMETRES AWAY FROM HOME.
TROUBLE BEGAN WHEN ABHISHEK AND BHAWNA SECRETLY MARRIED ON THE 12TH NOVEMBER
AFTER WHICH SHE WENT TO VISIT HER PARENTS.

As Sanjoy listens and thinks, his voice says MANY NEWS REPORTS WERE COMING IN
ABOUT THE KILLING OF INNOCENT AND HARMLESS YOUNG COUPLES, LOVE COUPLES, AND WE
WERE SITTING AND DISCUSSING ONE DAY, WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
(lively music plays)

Sanjoy and his team walk along the street in Delhi.

A team member in his forties says WE DIDN'T KNOW THE STATE OF THIS COUNTRY
WE NEVER THOUGHT THAT ALL THIS WAS HAPPENING HERE.
WE ASSUMED IT WAS JUST A FEW INCIDENTS

Sanjoy stands and speaks to a group of men.

The man says THIS IS A JUNGLE AND SOMEONE
HAS TO ROAR IN THE JUNGLE. THIS IS WHY WE TWO MADMEN STARTED. NOW, WE HAVE MANY
MORE MADMEN WORKING WITH US

Sanjoy says INDIA IS A COUNTRY OF KILLERS OF LOVE
BUT WITH THE EMERGENCE OF LOVE COMMANDOS THERE IS A GROUP OF PEOPLE
WHO ARE AGAINST SUCH KILLINGS, WHO ARE PREVENTING SUCH KILLINGS,
WHO ARE MAKING EFFORTS TO ENLIGHTEN SOCIETY.

The female Narrator says A HIDDEN WAR IS BEING WAGED IN HOMES ACROSS INDIA.
THE COUNTRY’S ANCIENT CASTE SYSTEM DICTATES THAT PEOPLE
ONLY MARRY WITHIN THEIR SOCIAL GROUP.
BUT A GROWING NUMBER OF DAUGHTERS AND SONS ARE REFUSING
TO ACCEPT THE MARRIAGES ARRANGED FOR THEM BY THEIR PARENTS.
INSTEAD THEY ARE CHOOSING THEIR OWN PARTNERS.
FALLING IN LOVE ACROSS THE CASTE DIVIDE IS A HUGELY REBELLIOUS ACT.
MARRYING FOR LOVE IS WIDELY SEEN AS A WESTERN CONCEPT,
ONE WHICH HAS NO PLACE IN INDIAN SOCIETY.

A civilized-looking man in his forties in Western clothes
sits in an office and speaks.

Lawyer Singh says 50 PERCENT OF INDIANS TOTALLY OPPOSE WESTERN CULTURE
WE DO NOT LIKE WESTERN CULTURE BECAUSE THERE IS NO VALUE OF CHARACTER
THERE IS NO VALUE OF HONOUR, FAMILY HONOUR, FAMILY RESPECT

The Narrator says DEFENSE LAWYER
A.P. SINGH DEALS WITH CASES INVOLVING FAMILY DISPUTES.
CONTROVERSIALLY, HE ALSO BELIEVES IN HONOUR KILLINGS.

Looking grim and gesturing, Singh says IN INDIAN SOCIETY, SELF-RESPECT IS SELF-RESPECT,
THERE IS NO COMPROMISE ON THAT POINT
IF THEIR DAUGHTER, IF THEIR SON, COMMITS ANY WRONGFUL ACT
WHICH DAMAGES THE HONOUR OF THE FAMILY,
THEY’RE CERTAINLY MURDERED – BOTH... WITHOUT ANY HESITATION.
IF MY DAUGHTER OR SISTER TRIED TO
HAVE PREMARITAL RELATIONS
THEN I WOULD BRING MY PARENTS TO MY FARMHOUSE,
POUR PETROL ON HER, AND SET HER ON FIRE. IT IS HONOUR, IT IS SELF-RESPECT.

Rain pours down.
[thunder rumbling]

The Narrator says NISHANT'S
GIRLFRIEND, SINDHU, HAS ARRIVED
SAFELY AT THE LOVE COMMANDOS' SHELTER.
AFTER THREE DAYS OF NO CONTACT
SINCE HER FAMILY BUNDLED HER
INTO A CAR, NISHANT DIDN'T
THINK HE WOULD EVER SEE HER AGAIN.

Nishant says ON THE DAY SHE WAS TAKEN BACK TO GAYA,
AT TEN O’CLOCK AT NIGHT, I THOUGHT SHE WAS NO MORE
BECAUSE THERE WAS NO INFORMATION FROM ANYWHERE.

Over the face of a yung girl, a caption reads "Sindhu."

Sindhu says THEY WERE OFFERING ME POISON.
"YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT FIRST, AND WE WILL TAKE IT ALONG WITH YOU."
PARENTS DON’T WANT THE BLAME FOR KILLING THEIR
DAUGHTER, THEY’RE SAYING "WE WILL GO ALONG WITH YOU."

The Narrator says WHEN SINDHU
REFUSED TO TAKE THE POISON, SHE
WAS DRIVEN THROUGH THE NIGHT TO
THE HOUSE OF HER GRANDFATHER, A
PROMINENT LOCAL POLITICIAN.

Sindhu says WHEN I TRIED TO TOUCH THE FEET OF MY GRANDFATHER,
EVERYBODY STARTED BEATING ME
SO BETWEEN ABOUT 11.30 AND 12 O’CLOCK I WAS BEATEN BRUTALLY
AND EVERYBODY STARTED BLAMING MY MOTHER,
SAYING "YOU ALLOWED HER TO STUDY."
AND SUDDENLY MY UNCLE STARTED
BEATING MY MUM, SAYING "IT’S BECAUSE OF YOU."

The Narrator says THE LOVE COMMANDOS
SAVED SINDHU'S LIFE.
THEY CALLED HER FAMILY
PERSISTENTLY, THREATENING TO
PUBLISH THE STORY IN THE MEDIA
IF ANY HARM CAME TO HER.

Sindhu says THEY DIDN’T HAVE ANY FEAR OF THE POLICE BUT THEY WERE AFRAID
OF THE MEDIA BECAUSE THEY HAVE A POLITICAL BACKGROUND
AND A GOOD IMAGE IN BIHAR. SO THEY WERE LIKE,
"WE CAN’T LET THIS GET OUT, SO LET HER GO."

The Narrator says SINDHU HAD
RETURNED HOME TO PERSUADE HER
FAMILY TO LET HER MARRY NISHANT.
HAVING FALLEN IN LOVE AT
UNIVERSITY, SHE HOPED THEY
WOULD ACCEPT THEIR RELATIONSHIP
DESPITE HIM BEING FROM A LOWER CASTE.

Sindhu says I WAS TRYING TO CONVINCE THEM BUT SUDDENLY ONE OF MY
UNCLES TOLD ME "I’LL KILL THAT BOY." HE WAS LIKE "EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT
GOING TO MARRY HIM, OR ANYONE ELSE, I’LL KILL HIM FIRST,
THEN I’LL KILL YOU AND THEN I’LL KILL MYSELF."
MY PARENTS, THEY DON’T CARE ABOUT HAPPINESS,
THE ONLY THE THING THEY CARE ABOUT IS PRIDE.

Lying on a simple couch, Sanjoy says THE CORE TEAM HAS MANY FACES...
SONU’S EXPERTISE IS IN ORGANIZING THE MARRIAGES OF LOVERS.
SAGAR IS A GOOD TRAINER, RAJESH IS A GOOD PLANNER, GOVINDA IS A MAN OF ACTION.
HARSH MALHOTRA HIMSELF, WHO IS OUR CHIEF CO-ORDINATOR,
IS AN INTERNATIONAL FIGURE OF LOVE, BECAUSE HE HAS MARRIED HIS OWN WIFE SIX TIMES.

A clip shows the different members of the team.

The Narrator says THE LOVE COMMANDOS
HAVE A NETWORK OF SECRET
SHELTERS HIDDEN THROUGHOUT
DELHI AND RUN A HELPLINE,
ANSWERING HUNDREDS OF CALLS 24-7.
[ringtone playing]

Sanjoy answers and says LOVE COMMANDOS...

A man in his forties says LOVE COMMANDOS HELPLINE?

Nishant takes the call and says WAIT A MINUTE.
TELL ME IN BRIEF, THERE ARE OTHER CALLERS WAITING

Sanjoy and Govinda take calls at the same time.

Sanjoy says GET OUT OF THERE FAST

Govinda says THEY WILL REMAIN MISSING

Sanjoy says GET OUT OF THERE NOW. GO TO THE LAWYER’S HOUSE.

Govinda says THEY ARE IN OUR SHELTER. THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN PROTECTION IN OUR SHELTER

in another call, Govinda says YOUR PARTNER’S PARENTS DON'T HAVE ANY RIGHT TO STOP YOUR MARRIAGE
THEY CAN'T GET YOU FORCIBLY MARRIED
YOU BOTH HAVE TO BE COURAGEOUS. REST ASSURED, WE FULLY SUPPORT YOU.
WE COUNSEL COUPLES AND RESCUE THEM IF NEEDED
IF THEY NEED PROTECTION, WE PROVIDE IT. IF SHELTER IS NEEDED, IT IS PROVIDED.
THEY FEAR THEIR RELATIVES. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THEY FEAR FOR THEIR LIVES.

A young couple appears.

The young man says OUR CASE WENT TO THE VILLAGE COUNCIL.
THEY SAID TO KILL US WHEREVER THEY FIND US.

Sitting on a couch in the shelter, a man says I THOUGHT EACH COUPLE WOULD BE
GIVEN SEPARATE ROOMS, THAT IT WOULD BE A VERY BIG ORGANISATION, BUT IT'S QUITE SMALL.

His girl friend says IT’S SMALL BUT IT’S ENOUGH... ENOUGH TO LIVE.
[laughing]

Another girl says THEY ARE SUCH GOOD PEOPLE. MANY COUPLES COME HERE
AND THROUGH THEM, THEIR FRIENDS GET TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS.
IF WE CAN GET MARRIED LIKE THIS, THERE WILL BE A POINT
WHEN EVERYONE HAS LOVE MARRIAGES. THEN CASTE WILL STOP MATTERING.

A young man says THE ONLY THOUGHT IN OUR MINDS RIGHT NOW IS THE WEDDING
THEY’RE TELLING US OUR WEDDING IS GOING TO BE TOMORROW
I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO IT, AND I’M EAGER TO SEE HER DRESSED AS A BRIDE.

Team member Sonu says WHENEVER A COUPLE COMES TO US TO GET MARRIED,
WE CHECK THEIR DOCUMENTS FIRST. ONCE THAT IS DONE, ALL THE PAPERS
ARE HANDED OVER TO RAJESH AND ME. WE ARRANGE THE DOCUMENTS
AND TAKE THE COUPLE TO THE TEMPLE IN OUR SAFE CUSTODY...

A clip shows the team members and the couple to be wed entering the temple.
(lively Indian music plays)

The Narrator says ONCE THE COUPLES'
FAMILIES FIND OUT THEY HAVE RUN
AWAY, THEY OFTEN TRY TO FIND
THEM TO BRING THEM BACK
FORCIBLY, SO GETTING MARRIED
GIVES THE COUPLES LEGAL SECURITY.

Sonu continues THE MARRIAGE IS CARRIED OUT ACCORDING TO THE RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
OF THE COUPLE, HINDU, MUSLIM, OR WHATEVER THEY MAY BE.
ALL THE LEGAL PAPERS ARE ALSO PREPARED IN THE TEMPLE
WE DON’T EVEN RISK TAKING THE COUPLE TO THE COURT.
THE BEST FEELING IS WHEN WE SEE THE CHANGE IN THE COUPLES,
FROM BEING SAD WHEN THEY COME TO US, TO BEING HAPPY WHEN WE GET THEM MARRIED.

The full marriage ceremony is seen.
[speaking Hindi]
[clapping]

Sanjoy says THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE STARTED WITH LORD SHIVA AND PARVATI
THEY HAD AN INTER-CASTE LOVE MARRIAGE. WE WORSHIP THEM.
BUT WHEN IT COMES TO OUR CHILDREN, WE HAVE DOUBLE STANDARDS.

An aerial clip shows the huge, bustling city.
(traffic noises)

The Narrator says INDIAN WEDDINGS
ARE FAMOUSLY LAVISH AFFAIRS.
WHEN PARENTS GIVE AWAY THEIR
DAUGHTERS, THEY ARE ALSO
EXPECTED TO HAND OVER HUGE
DOWRIES OF MONEY AND EXPENSIVE
GIFTS TO THE GROOM'S FAMILY.
PARENTS WILL START SAVING FOR
THEIR DAUGHTER'S MARRIAGE FROM
THE MOMENT SHE IS BORN, WHICH
IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY GIRLS
ARE OFTEN CONSIDERED TO BE A BURDEN.

Govinda says IN THIS COUNTRY OF OURS, THE FIRST THING TO
BE CRITICISED WAS THE DOWRY SYSTEM. WE THINK ARRANGED MARRIAGES ARE JUST AS BAD
WE WANT ARRANGED MARRIAGES BANNED, SO THERE ARE ONLY LOVE MARRIAGES.
IF ARRANGED MARRIAGES ARE BANNED, THEN MANY PROBLEMS WILL BE SOLVED.

Sanjoy says THE MINDSET IS CHAUVINISTIC, MALE-ORIENTED AND MALE-DOMINATED.
IT TELLS US THAT THE MALE IS ALWAYS THE OWNER... WHETHER HE IS THE FATHER,
BROTHER OR HUSBAND, HE IS SEEN AS THE OWNER OF THAT FEMALE. ARE ALL GIRLS SLAVES?
(dramatic music plays)

An aerial view shows the city. At the shelter, team members put up decorations.

A voice says BROTHER GOVINDA, IF POSSIBLE, STICK UP BOTH OF THEM.

The Narrator says IT'S DIWALI, THE
INDIAN FESTIVAL OF LIGHT.
FOR THESE COUPLES, IT'S THE
FIRST TIME THEY'RE CELEBRATING
WITHOUT THEIR FAMILIES.

A female team member helps a girl dressing in front of a mirror. A caption reads
"Pinki."

The team member says APPLY IT LIGHTLY, DON'T OVERDO IT... DON'T APPLY IT THEN.
YOU ARE NEWLY MARRIED. IF YOU DON'T WEAR MAKE-UP NOW,
WILL YOU WEAR IT AFTER YOUR CHILDREN ARE BORN? RUB YOUR LIPS TOGETHER
NOW COME! IT'S YOUR TURN. OH GOD, PINKI! YOU LOOK GOOD!

The Narrator says PINKI HAD BEEN DREAMING OF LOVE ALL HER LIFE.
BORN WITH A BIRTHMARK ON HER FACE, SHE WORRIED ABOUT HER
MARRIAGE PROSPECTS.

Pinki says THERE WAS A BIG MARK ON MY FACE RIGHT HERE. IT’S STILL THERE, IT’S GETTING BETTER
MY MUMMY AND OTHER PEOPLE USED TO TAUNT ME, SAYING THAT I WOULD NOT GET MARRIED,
THAT I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET MARRIED, AND OTHER THINGS.
I ASKED MUMMY "WILL THERE BE A GUY WHO WILL LOVE MY MARKS?"
"WILL THERE BE SUCH A BOY IN OUR CASTE? FIND ONE AND SHOW ME."

Arjun says I SEE ONLY MY WIFE AND NO ONE ELSE. SHE'S LOOKING VERY NICE TODAY!

The Narrator says A TWIST OF FATE
LED ARJUN TO ACCIDENTALLY DIAL
THE WRONG NUMBER AND GET
THROUGH TO PINKI.
HUNDREDS OF MILES APART, THEY
SPOKE SECRETLY ON THE PHONE
EVERY NIGHT FOR SIX MONTHS.

Arjun says THERE WAS ONE THING IN PARTICULAR THAT I LIKED ABOUT HER.
ONE SHOULD ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT THEMSELVES
NONE OF THE OTHER GIRLS TOLD THE TRUTH. I HAD SPOKEN TO MANY GIRLS
BUT PINKI REVEALED EVERYTHING TO ME. THE FIRST MAIN THING SHE
TOLD ME WAS HER CASTE... BUT I DON'T BELIEVE IN CASTE.

The shelter occupants celebrate the festival.
[clapping and singing]

The Narrator says WHEN THEY FINALLY
MET FOR THE FIRST TIME, IT TOOK
JUST 90 MINUTES FOR THEM TO DECIDE TO MARRY.
PINKI'S DREAM HAD COME TRUE.
SHE HAD FOUND SOMEONE WHO ACCEPTED HER.

Arjun says AFTER SEEING HER SCARS, I LIKED HER MORE
I HAVE A GOAL TO KEEP HER SO HAPPY THAT SHE WILL FORGET HER SCARS.

Pinki says MUMMY AND DADDY WERE VERY UPSET
PARENTS DON'T WANT YOU TO MARRY FROM A DIFFERENT CASTE
THEY SAY "IF YOU HAVE TO LOVE, LOVE WITHIN YOUR OWN CASTE."

Arjun says PINKI'S FAMILY REGISTERED ALLEGATIONS AGAINST ME.
ONE IS FOR KIDNAPPING, AND THE OTHER IS FOR RAPE.

The Narrator says PARENTS WHO REFUSE
TO ACCEPT THEIR DAUGHTERS'
DECISIONS OFTEN ACCUSE YOUNG
MEN OF RAPE AND KIDNAP.
TO FIGHT THE CASES IN COURT,
THE LOVE COMMANDOS ENLIST THE
HELP OF LAWYERS LIKE VINEET JAIN.
[men softly talking]

In a modest law office bookshelves are filled with leather tomes. A moustached man
in his forties speaks.

Jain says SOME DAYS AGO, HE CAME TO ME WITH A CASE OF
A BOY FALSELY ACCUSED OF RAPE BY THE PROSECUTION,
AND THIS CASE WAS RECENTLY ACQUITTED BY THE COURT.
SO WE ARE PROVIDING THEM WITH SECURITY BY FILING A WRIT PETITION
IN THE HIGH COURT AGAINST THEIR RESPECTIVE PARENTS.

The Narrator says INDIA'S LEGAL
SYSTEM HAS PROTECTED COUPLES
WHO WISH TO MARRY SINCE 1978.
SOCIETY HAS YET TO CATCH UP.

Jain says THERE IS A LAW THAT ANY PERSON CAN MARRY
ANY PERSON, BUT SOCIETY DOESN’T ACCEPT IT,BECAUSE THERE ARE GOTRA PROBLEMS,
THERE ARE CASTE PROBLEMS, AND THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS. IF A BOY
IS FROM A RICH FAMILY AND A GIRL IS FROM A POOR FAMILY, THIS IS ALSO A PROBLEM.
(gentle music plays)

A car travels through the countryside. Beehive huts appear.

The Narrator says OVER 70 PERCENT OF
INDIA'S POPULATION LIVE IN RURAL AREAS WHERE CASTE AND
GOTRA, OR CLAN, MATTER THE MOST. GOVERNING THIS VAST LANDSCAPE
ARE HUNDREDS OF POWERFUL VILLAGE COUNCILS, KNOWN AS KHAP PANCHAYATS.
THEY ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY NOTORIOUS FOR THEIR BRUTAL
FORMS OF PUNISHMENT AND THE SANCTIONING OF HONOUR KILLINGS.

A clip shows a circle of young men standing around another man who is held by
arms and feet, and beating him with sticks. A caption reads "Honour killing...
Lover beaten to death in Jharkhand."
[shouting and whacking]

A Newscaster says IN YET ANOTHER
SHOCKING INCIDENT OF HONOUR
KILLING, A 22-YEAR-OLD MAN WAS
MERCILESSLY BEATEN TO DEATH
AFTER HE WAS ALLEGEDLY FOUND IN
LOVE WITH A GIRL FROM A DIFFERENT CASTE.
(ominous music plays)

Low-caste women walk through a suburban area with baskets on their heads.

The Narrator says IN VILLAGES ALL
OVER THE COUNTRY, PEOPLE ARE
EXPECTED TO ABIDE BY THE RULES
OF THE DEEPLY CONSERVATIVE KHAP PANCHAYATS.
MANY PARENTS FEEL THE PRESSURE
TO UPHOLD THEIR HONOUR.

A group of elderly men, some wearing turbans, sits in a circle. A caption reads
"Village Council... Sisana, Haryana."

A man wearing an orange turban speaks and says THE CHIEFS OF EVERY VILLAGE COUNCIL
ARE THE ONES WHO SERVE SOCIETY. WE HAVE ONLY ONE RESPONSIBILITY. WE DECIDE IF
SOMEONE BREAKS THE RULES OF SOCIETY. IF THEY DON’T ACCEPT OUR DECISION, THEY ARE
PUNISHED BY BEING EXILED FOR TWO YEARS. THEY ARE BOYCOTTED IN SUCH A WAY THAT NO
ONE SPEAKS TO THEM AND THEY ARE COMPLETELY ISOLATED. THEN, OUT OF SHAME, THEY
EVENTUALLY ACCEPT OUR DECISION.

Another Council member says KILLING SOMEONE IS MORALLY WRONG ACCORDING TO THE
COURTS AS WELL AS TO US, BUT FAMILIES THINK THEY HAVE TO BE WORTHY OF THE SOCIETY
THEY LIVE IN. THEY'RE NOT MAKING THE MISTAKE, THEIR CHILDREN ARE.

One of the councillors says IN ORDER TO SAFEGUARD THE HONOUR OF THE FAMILY, THE
GIRL'S PARENTS CARRY OUT THE "HONOUR KILLING." A MOTHER WHO HAS NURTURED HER CHILD
IN THE WOMB FOR NINE MONTHS LOVES HER VERY MUCH AND, IN REALITY, DOES NOT WANT TO
KILL HER DAUGHTER. BUT DUE TO THE RESTRICTIONS AND PRESSURES OF SOCIETY SHE IS
FORCED TO TAKE THIS STEP.

The Elders look on approvingly.

(suspenseful music plays)
Downtown Delhi is shrouded in smog. An Indian flag flies.

[ringtone playing]
A voice says LOVE COMMANDOS?

A man stands on a rooftop, gestures and says I WANT TO MEET WITH YOU, TELL ME
YOUR ADDRESS.

Standing with a girl in red, Govinda says WE DON’T HAVE PERMISSION TO GIVE YOU
THE ADDRESS.

The man yells and says IF YOUR DAUGHTER WAS GETTING FUCKED,
IF YOUR DAUGHTER HAD RUN AWAY WITH THE CLEANER
THEN YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND SADNESS, MOTHERFUCKER!

Govinda says PLEASE DO NOT USE BAD WORDS... LISTEN UP.

The man says THIS CONSTITUTION GIVES THE RIGHT TO SHOOT, AND I WILL SHOOT THEM DOWN
WILL YOU PROTECT THEM THEN?

Sanjoy takes his phone and listens in.

The man says THIS CONSTITUTION GIVES THE RIGHT TO SHOOT, AND I WILL SHOOT THEM DOWN
WILL YOU PROTECT THEM THEN? LISTEN, MR. SACHDEV, JUST PREPARE YOURSELF
VERY SOON YOU WILL BE LEAVING THIS WORLD... YOUR NUMBER WILL BE UP
IN THE NEXT EIGHT DAYS.

Govinda says WE DON'T FEEL NORMAL IF WE'RE NOT SHOUTED AT DAILY
I'M USED TO IT. WE'RE STUBBORN, WE LIKE BEING SCOLDED, SO IT’S BECOME ROUTINE.
I DON'T GET EXCITED IF I DON'T GET A CALL LIKE THIS.
IT FEELS LIKE A GAME, I HAVE TO PLAY IT EVERY DAY. I HAVE TO WIN IT
IT HAS BECOME MY MISSION... LOVE COMMANDOS.

The Narrator says PINKI AND ARJUN
HAVE BEEN IN THE SHELTER FOR THREE MONTHS.
IT'S THE LONGEST TIME THEY HAVE EVER SPENT TOGETHER.

Arjun washes a puppy.
[speaking Hindi]

Arjun says LET ME APPLY CONDITIONER
[Pinki laughing]

Pinki says WILL YOU BATHE OUR CHILDREN?

she pours water on the pup.

Arjun says GIVE ME THE JUG.

Pinki says THERE'S SOAP ON HER NECK.

Arjun says HOLD THIS. WHEN SHE'S HAVING A BATH, EVERYONE HAS TO WAIT
FIVE PEOPLE CAN HAVE A BATH IN THE TIME SHE TAKES.

Pinki says I AM ALSO WASHING CLOTHES LIKE THE ONES I'M WEARING.

Arjun says IT SHOULDN’T TAKE MORE THAN TEN MINUTES, AND FIVE TO BATHE.
YOU TAKE TWO HOURS BUT YOU STILL REMAIN DARK
A BUFFALO CAN WASH AS MUCH AS IT WANTS BUT IT STILL REMAINS DARK.
HERE, LOOK AT YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR. YOU LOOK SO NICE.

Arjun finishes washing the pup, picks it up and takes it to a mirror.

The Narrator says STAYING AT THE
SHELTER MEANS LEARNING HOW TO
LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AND FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE.

Pinki stands at the kitchen stove. She calls JYOTI?
[food sizzling]

Another girl, Jyoti, runs up and says YES, I'M COMING! IT GOT BURNT!

Pinki says YOU MUST’VE LEFT IT ON A HIGH FLAME.

Jyoti says I ONLY JUST TURNED IT HIGH!

Pinki says IT GOT BURNT. I TOLD YOU NOT TO GO ANYWHERE!

Jyoti says YOU TOLD ME TO PUT THE SPICES IN.

Pinki says I'M 100 PERCENT SURE THAT YOU KEPT IT ON A HIGH FLAME!

Jyoti says NO, I SWEAR!

Pinki says DID IT GET BURNT BY ITSELF?

Arjun says I WILL NOT HAVE CHILDREN FOR FIVE YEARS.
ONCE CHILDREN ARE BORN, PINKI WILL BECOME BUSY AND SO WILL I.
IT WILL BECOME DIFFICULT FOR ME TO TALK WITH HER BECAUSE SHE WILL
BE OCCUPIED ALL DAY LOOKING AFTER THEM.

Pinki watches children playing on a rug.

The Narrator says LETTING GO OF THE
PAST CAN BE DIFFICULT.
PINKI STILL HOPES HER PARENTS
WILL FORGIVE HER.

On the phone, Pinki says DOES MOTHER CRY? YES, I KNOW SHE CRIES. AND WHAT IS
FATHER SAYING? I SEE.

[voice chattering on phone]

Govinda says HANG UP THE PHONE SOON... DON'T TALK FOR LONG.
ASK THEM ABOUT THEIR HEALTH.

The Narrator says BEFORE THEY
ELOPED, MANY GIRLS BELIEVED
THEY WERE DUTIFUL DAUGHTERS, SO
THEY STRUGGLE TO ACCEPT THAT
CHOOSING TO LOVE MEANS LOSING
THEIR FAMILIES.

Krishna, a shelter refugee, says PAPA SAID IF I LEAVE THE HOUSE, BREAKING ALL TIES,
IF HE EVER SEES ME AGAIN, THEN HE'LL KILL ME WITH HIS OWN HANDS
AND WOULDN'T MIND GOING TO JAIL FOR IT.

Krishna's hair is combed by two others.

The Narrator says FOR KRISHNA, THE
DESIRE TO GO HOME, EVEN IF SHE
COULD BE KILLED, IS
OVERWHELMING.

Wiping tears away, Krishna says PAPA GAVE ME MANY RESPONSIBILITIES AT HOME.
IT DISTURBS ME THAT I COULDN’T LIVE UP TO HIS FAITH IN ME.
I WANT TO GO BACK SO HE REALIZES I DIDN’T RUN AWAY FROM MY RESPONSIBILITIES.
I MISS HIM A LOT. WHATEVER HAPPENS, I’LL GO BACK, EVEN IF THERE’S VIOLENCE
I AT LEAST WANT TO TRY, SO I DON’T LIVE WITH THE REGRET
THAT I DIDN’T GIVE IT A SHOT.

A girl in red says MY PARENTS WILL NEVER AGREE. THEY HAVEN’T EVEN BOTHERED
TO CALL ME ONCE.
THEY JUST CALLED TO SAY THAT THEY WILL KILL ME.
THEY DIDN’T EVEN TRY TO LURE ME HOME WITH LIES.
EVEN IF IT IS A LIE, THEY COULD JUST PRETEND TO LOVE ME
(lively music plays)

Sanjoy smokes as he is driven through the city.

The Narrator says SANJOY IS
TRAVELLING HOME TO SEE HIS FAMILY.
HIS COMMITMENTS TO THE LOVE
COMMANDOS MEAN HE ONLY MANAGES
THE TRIP ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR.

[speaking Hindi]
Sanjoy says I DEFINITELY MISS THEM.
BUT THEN I THINK OF THIS SONG TAUGHT TO ME IN MY CHILDHOOD...
"IT IS NO LIFE TO LIVE FOR YOURSELF. TO LIVE A LIFE, LIVE FOR OTHERS."

Sanjoy is seen with his father, wife and daughter.

The Narrator says SANJOY HAS THREE GROWN-UP CHILDREN.
HIS WIFE NEENA LIVES WITH HIS
PARENTS IN THEIR FAMILY HOME,
100 KILOMETRES OUTSIDE DELHI.
LIVING A LIFE FOR OTHERS KEPT
SANJOY SINGLE INTO HIS LATE TWENTIES.
ONE DAY, HIS FATHER DECIDED IT
WAS TIME TO ARRANGE HIS MARRIAGE.

Graying in his seventies, Sanjoy's father, Mister Sachdev, says I THINK I ONLY SAW THREE GIRLS
ONE, ALTHOUGH SHE WAS GOOD-LOOKING, HAD VERY POOR EYESIGHT
HER PARENTS AND GRANDFATHER, THEY WANTED TO ALLURE
US WITH MONEY BUT WE WERE NOT INTERESTED
THEN A COUSIN OF NEENA WAS SHOWN TO US
BUT SHE WAS RATHER BULGING.
THEN THEY SHOWED ME THIS GIRL...
I LIKED HER, SHE WAS SLIM AT THAT TIME,
VERY SLIM, GOOD-LOOKING AND SLIM,
AND ALSO VERY SWEET IN HER TALK
ALL THESE YEARS, RIGHT FROM THE YEAR 1989 TO THIS DAY,
I’VE NEVER HEARD HER SHOUT.

A photo shows Sanjoy with his wife and three small children.

Sanjoy's wife Neena says I’M HAPPY WITH MY LIFE HERE.
I’VE GOT MY FAMILY, MUMMY, PAPA, SO I AM VERY HAPPY
I FEEL WHEN A FAMILY IS TOGETHER THEY ARE HAPPY
MY HUSBAND IS NOT NEGLIGENT... HE’S THERE WHEN WE NEED HIM,
HE TAKES CARE OF THE HOUSE,
SO I DON’T ASK HIM QUESTIONS LIKE "WHY ARE YOU AWAY?"

Sanjoy says I DIDN’T HAVE TIME TO BE IN LOVE!
FROM MY SCHOOL DAYS, I BECAME A STUDENT LEADER
SO IT MEANS, I NEVER HAD TIME. I WAS ALWAYS
SHOUTING SLOGANS, PLANNING DEMONSTRATIONS, ALL THAT
MINE WAS AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE BECAUSE IT WAS FINALISED
BY MY PARENTS WITH MY APPROVAL, MY CHOICE,
AND I FEEL LIKE THE LUCKIEST PERSON ON EARTH
TO HAVE FOUND A GOOD PARTNER, WHO MAY NOT STAND BY MY SIDE, BUT WHO IS
TAKING CARE OF ALL MY DUTIES TOWARDS MY PARENTS
AND LEAVING ME OPEN TO WORK FOR SOCIETY, FOR THE YOUTH, FOR THE LOVERS
WITHOUT HER COMMITMENT TO THE FAMILY, TO MY PARENTS
AND MY CHILDREN, I COULD NEVER DO IT.
(lively tinkling music plays)

A suburban train passes. The New Delhi railway station is seen from above.

The Narrator says JAYANT AND POOJA
GOT MARRIED THE DAY AFTER THEY
ARRIVED IN DELHI.
POOJA'S PARENTS HAD ARRANGED
HER MARRIAGE TO SOMEONE ELSE,
SO ARE DESPERATELY TRYING TO FIND HER.

Pooja's father talks to her prospective husband and says IF YOU WANT TO
GO HOME, TELL US NOW.

The man says NO, NO!

In the shelter, Pooja says THEY CAN'T TAKE ME AWAY FORCIBLY, RIGHT?

Govinda says ONLY IF YOU WISH. WE WON’T LET ANYONE TAKE YOU FORCIBLY
AND IF YOU WISH TO GO, WE CAN’T STOP YOU.
REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH THEY MAY TRY TO PRESSURE YOU,
WE WILL BE THERE FOR YOU. DON’T BE SCARED!

The Narrator says HER PARENTS HAVE
DISCOVERED SHE IS BEING
PROTECTED BY THE LOVE COMMANDOS
AND KEEP CALLING THE HOTLINE.

Sanjoy answers the phone and says YES, PLEASE SPEAK!

Pooja says I DON’T WANT TO TALK TO THEM.

Sanjoy says DID YOU HEAR THIS GIRL’S REPLY?
WE TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO HER BUT SHE IS ADAMANT
SHE DOES NOT WANT TO MEET ANYONE... WELL THAT’S YOUR OPINION,
BUT UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA,
ONLY ONE KIND OF MARRIAGE IS PERMISSIBLE
AND THAT IS MARRIAGE BY ONE’S OWN CHOICE
ANY OTHER KIND OF MARRIAGE, INCLUDING AN ARRANGED ONE, IS A CRIME.

Listening to the conversation, Pooja wrings her hands.

With his hand on her shoulder, Pooja's boyfriend says THIS MUCH SAFETY IS NOT POSSIBLE ANYWHERE ELSE
HER PARENTS WOULD HAVE TAKEN HER AWAY NO MATTER WHERE WE LIVED.
NOT MUCH CAN BE SAID OF THE POLICE IN OUR AREA.
THERE IS NO ONE TO SUPPORT SOMETHING LIKE THIS
SO I WOULD LIKE TO SALUTE THEM... HATS OFF TO THESE PEOPLE

Pooja says OF COURSE.

The Narrator says FAMILIES OFTEN USE
EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL TO LURE THEIR CHILDREN HOME.

Pooja says PAPA IS ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL, MUMMY WILL COMMIT SUICIDE.

A team member jokingly says YEAH, SHE WILL COMMIT SUICIDE, PARENTS WILL JUMP OFF
THE TERRACE. WHAT ABOUT STOMACH ACHE?
[chuckling]

Sanjoy says MUMMY IS LYING ON THE RAIL TRACKS WAITING TO DIE, YOU MUST COME AND SAVE HER
BUT BY THE TIME SHE GETS THERE TO SAVE HER, IT’S 20-25 HOURS LATER AND BY THEN
MANY TRAINS WOULD HAVE GONE BY. THINGS LIKE THIS HAPPEN ALL THE TIME.

The team member says HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF ANYTHING HAPPENING TO PARENTS?
IT IS ONLY EVER THE COUPLES THAT DIE.
HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ON THE TV NEWS OR READ IN ANY NEWSPAPER THAT PARENTS
HAVE DIED BY JUMPING OFF THE TERRACE. OR IN FRONT OF A TRAIN OR BUS?
HAS IT EVER HAPPENED?
ONLY CHILDREN SACRIFICE THEMSELVES, THE PARENTS NEVER DO. THIS IS ALL DRAMA.

Sanjoy says ONE THING IS CLEAR FROM THIS... I FEEL NOW THAT
THEY ARE DESPERATELY GOING TO TRY AND REACH HERE.

He and Govinda look out the window.

Sanjoy says HAVE THEY REACHED HERE?

Govinda says DOESN’T LOOK LIKE IT. THE POLICEMEN CAME HERE,
TWO TO THREE MOTORCYCLES PASSED BY.

A protest includes many young people and mothers.
[chanting and clapping]

Voices shout and say FREEDOM TO KISS!
FREEDOM TO LOVE!
FREEDOM TO KISS!
FREEDOM TO LOVE!

the Narrator says INDIA ALREADY HAS
THE LARGEST YOUTH POPULATION IN THE WORLD.
AS THEIR NUMBERS INCREASE, SO
DO THEIR VOICES.
AND THEY DON'T JUST WANT LOVE
MARRIAGES... THEY'RE DEMANDING
FREEDOM FROM OPPRESSION.
[cheering and clapping]

A woman protestor shouts and says A FEW DAYS AGO A DALIT MAN WAS CUT UP
INTO 40 PIECES AND THROWN AWAY
BECAUSE HE WANTED TO STAY WITH THE PERSON HE LOVED
THAT’S NOT THE FIRST CASE. THAT’S NOT THE ONLY THING THAT HAS HAPPENED
PEOPLE ARE REGULARLY KILLED BY KHAP PANCHAYATS,
THEY’RE REGULARLY BEATEN UP BY THESE FUNDAMENTALIST THUGS
WE WANT TO SHOW THESE PEOPLE THAT WE WON’T TOLERATE IT ANYMORE.

The Narrator says BUT WITH HINDU
FUNDAMENTALISM ON THE RISE AND
HEAVY MORAL POLICING, THERE'S
STILL A LONG WAY TO GO BEFORE
THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO EVEN
KISS IN PUBLIC.
[angry shouting]

Fundamentalist Protestors shout and say THIS IS INDIA, YOU FUCKERS! WHY DO YOU
HAVE TO KISS HERE? IF YOU WANT TO HAVE SEX OR KISS ANYONE,
THEN DO SO IN YOUR HOMES, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.
SUCH VULGAR CONDUCT WILL NOT BE DONE ON OPEN ROADS.
BAJARANG DAL VISHWA PARISHADS HINDU
BRETHREN WILL NOT TOLERATE THIS ONE BIT.

Soldiers stand around at the edge of the protest.

Sanjoy says THESE FUNDAMENTALISTS AND ORTHODOX PEOPLE
ARE TRYING TO SUPPRESS THE YOUTH WHO HAVE A BURNING FIRE GREATER
THAN A VOLCANO IN THEIR HEARTS, AND ONCE THEY DECIDE TO COLLECTIVELY
BURST IT, EVERYBODY WILL BE WASHED AWAY.

[motorcycles buzzing]

The Narrator says THE LOVE COMMANDOS
HAVE SAVED THOUSANDS OF COUPLES.
FIERCELY INDEPENDENT, THEY
SURVIVE BY DOING PART-TIME
JOBS, BUT OFTEN IT'S NOT ENOUGH.

Sanjoy says THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS FINANCE. WE HAD HOUSES, WE SOLD THEM.

Govinda says WHEN WE'VE BEGUN SOMETHING, WE’VE HAD TO SELL EVERYTHING TO KEEP
THAT GOING. WE HAVE TO SELL OURSELVES, BUT WE HAVE TO CONTINUE THE MISSION
WE’VE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY ON THIS. EVEN OUR PERSONAL JEWELLERY HAS BEEN SOLD.

[ringtone playing]
Harsh Malhotra answers and says LOVE COMMANDOS.

Govinda says OUR FRIENDS HELP US OUT, OUR FAMILIES HELP US OUT,
AND WE ARE ABLE TO MANAGE FINANCIAL MATTERS.

Another member says EVEN IF WE MAKE 1 PERCENT EFFORT
THE LIVES OF THESE KIDS WILL BE SAVED.

(Indian music plays)
Sanjoy dances at the shelter.
[laughing]
[Bollywood music plays]

Against dancing couples, Sanjoy says LOVE SEES NO CASTE, NO RELIGION, NO COLOUR,
BECAUSE LOVE IS ALWAYS BOUNDARYLESS. IT IS LOVE THAT WILL CREATE
A CASTELESS SOCIETY IN OUR GREAT COUNTRY.

The mother says HOW CAN I TAKE YOU TO THE VILLAGE NOW?
YOU ARE MY CHILD TOO,
BUT THERE ARE PROBLEMS
THAT IS WHY I AM REFUSING, RIGHT?
JUST WAIT FOR ANOTHER MONTH OR SO
AND THEN I WILL COME TO TAKE YOU MYSELF, OK?
EVERYONE KNOWS THAT ARJUN AND YOU
RAN AWAY TO GET MARRIED
HOW CAN I TAKE YOU BACK UNDER THESE CONDITIONS?
IT WOULD BE A DISHONOUR FOR US, WOULDN’T IT?

Crying, Pinki says I JUST WANT TO GO WITH YOU,
I’LL STAY ANYWHERE YOU’LL HAVE ME.

Nervously playing with a strap, Arjun says JUST LEAVE IT... THEY SAID NO.

The mother says YOU'LL STAY HERE. I WON'T TAKE YOU ANYWHERE.
SIT DOWN! I'LL GIVE YOU A TIGHT SLAP.

To Pinki, Arjun says DID I SAY ANYTHING TO YOU? YOU'LL STAY HERE NOW!

To a team member, pointing at the camera, Arjun says PAPA, PLEASE GET THIS
TURNED OFF.

The mother looks at Arjun, cautioning him with a forefinger, and says LISTEN,
I SWEAR IF YOU EVER GET ANGRY THEN YOU'LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS!

To Pinki, she says HE HAS A SIMPLE MIND.

Pinki says HE JUST GETS ANGRY QUICKLY.

The mother says YES. HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO CONTROL HIS ANGER. OKAY?

To Pinki, the mother says OKAY. TREAT THEM JUST LIKE YOUR PARENTS. THEY ARE ABOVE
US... LIKE GODS. OKAY?
RESPECT THEM AND LISTEN TO THEM... FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE YOU'LL STAY AT HOME.
IT'S JUST A FEW MORE DAYS OF INCONVENIENCE.

Govinda says DO YOU THINK HE CAN CHANGE?

Arjun says I'M NOT A VILLAIN!

A team member says YOU'LL HAVE TO LISTEN, SON. YOU'LL HAVE TO CHANGE A LITTLE
YOU STAY TENSION-FREE.

Arjun says OK.
(dramatic music plays)

People walk busily in the street. A boy uses a cell phone.

In the shelter, a team member says WHAT MONEY WERE THEY ASKING YOU FOR?

Pooja talks to the team and says THEY WEREN’T ASKING. THEY SAID "IF THIS IS WHAT YOU
PLANNED TO DO, YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD US EARLIER."
"WHY DID YOU WASTE FATHER’S MONEY? HE WASTED 15,000 ON YOU."
"FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT, FOR THE DOWRY, ALL PAPA’S MONEY WAS WASTED."
SO I SAID "IF THAT’S THE PRICE YOU VALUE ME AT, I CAN RETURN IT TO YOU."

Sanjoy makes an approving gesture with his hand. The pup lies on the shelter floor.

The Narrator says POOJA'S FAMILY
HAVE NOT YET FOUND THE SHELTER,
BUT THEY'RE KEEPING UP THE PRESSURE.
THEY INSIST THAT IF SHE DOES
NOT GO THROUGH WITH THE
ARRANGED MARRIAGE SHE WILL HAVE
TO REPAY THE COST.

Pooja stands with Sanjoy and says I DON’T WANT TO TALK, BABA
I SAID WHAT I HAD TO SAY THE LAST TIME WE SPOKE. I DON’T WANT TO TALK

Sanjoy holds the phone up and says SPEAK ONCE MORE. THEY SAID YOU’RE
NOT ALLOWED TO COME TO MAHARASHTRA.
CLEAR IT UP WITH THEM, ONCE AND FOR ALL.

She holds the phone to her ear and her father's lawyer says HOW CAN YOU DO THIS?
YOUR MOTHER IS GOING TO COMMIT SUICIDE. YOUR PARENTS HAVE SPENT LOTS OF MONEY.

Pooja says IF I WAS TO COMMIT SUICIDE, WOULD THAT BE OKAY?
WOULD THAT BE OKAY?

A team member stops her with a gesture.

Pooja continues HANG ON, HANG ON.
IF YOU HAVE SUCH A BIG PROBLEM WITH MONEY,
DON’T WORRY, I’LL PAY IT BACK TO YOU IN TWO OR THREE YEARS
THAT’S YOUR PRICE, RIGHT? THAT’S THE SATISFACTION YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT, RIGHT?
YOU’RE COUNTING MY HAPPINESS WITH MONEY, RIGHT?

Sanjoy looks on approvingly.

The lawyer says YOUR MOTHER IS IN A SERIOUS CONDITION.

Pooja says I WAS SERIOUSLY ILL TOO. DID ANYONE THINK OF ME AT THAT TIME?
AND, HANG ON, I WILL NEVER MEET YOU IN MAHARASHTRA, I WON’T EVEN GO THERE
AND PLEASE DON’T SAY ANYTHING ELSE I DON’T WANT TO HEAR ANYTHING ELSE YOU
HAVE TO SAY... NOR DO I WANT TO TALK TO YOU.
AND IF I GET A CALL HERE AGAIN, I’LL TELL EVERYONE
THAT I DON’T KNOW WHO YOU ARE, OKAY?
MAKE SURE I DON’T GET A CALL AGAIN. TELL THEM.

She hands the phone back to Sanjoy, who says YES, ARE YOU DONE SPEAKING?

Pooja's boyfriend says ALL THE COMMANDOS ARE SUCH GOOD PEOPLE
I WOULD SAY TO ALL THOSE COUPLES IN LOVE,
WHOSE LIVES ARE UNDER THREAT,
THAT THEY SHOULD DEFINITELY COME HERE.

Pooja says WHATEVER HAPPENS, I WILL FACE IT
OKAY, LET MUMMY AND PAPA COME, I AM A BIT SCARED
BUT THE LOVE COMMANDOS ARE HERE,
FULLY PROTECTING AND SUPPORTING ME,
AND HE IS ALSO HERE. NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS,
I AM GOING TO BE WITH HIM, AND FOR ME, THAT IS HAPPINESS!
(gentle music plays)

The Narrator says 30 PERCENT OF
MARRIAGES IN INDIA TODAY ARE
LOVE MARRIAGES.
IF YOUNG PEOPLE CONTINUE TO
CHOOSE THEIR OWN PARTNERS,
THERE'S A CHANCE THAT THE
COUNTRY MIGHT ONE DAY BECOME
THE CASTELESS SOCIETY THE LOVE
COMMANDOS HOPE FOR.

Over clips showing couples dating, Sanjoy says THE YOUTH OF THE COUNTRY, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN LOVE,
WANT ERADICATION OF THE CASTE SYSTEM
AND RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALISM. THEY ARE FED UP WITH IT
THE NEW GENERATION ARE MOVING TOWARDS
THIS, AND NO ONE CAN STOP THEM, ESPECIALLY WHEN
LOVE COMMANDOS ARE STANDING WITH THEM.

Harsh Malhotra says THEY COME TO US CRYING, AND THEY LEAVE SMILING
THIS IS WHAT KEEPS US MOTIVATED TO GO ON.

Govinda says WE CAN’T DOUBT WHETHER IT WILL WORK OR NOT
FOR US, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.
IN THE LOVE COMMANDOS DICTIONARY
THERE IS NO SUCH WORD AS IMPOSSIBLE.
NO WORK IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR US.

Sanjoy lights a cigarette and looks out over the terrace.
(gentle music plays)

Sanjoy says WOODS ARE LOVELY, DARK AND DEEP
BUT I HAVE PROMISES TO KEEP AND MILES TO GO BEFORE I SLEEP
AND MILES TO GO BEFORE I SLEEP.
AS WE DO NOT WANT TO SLEEP, WE CAN NEVER GIVE UP.

A crescent moon appears in a clear evening sky.

[ringtone playing]
Sanjoy says LOVE COMMANDOS, HELLO?

The screen fades to black. A caption reads "To find out more about the Love
Commandos, please visit www.lovecommandos.org."

(theme music plays)

The end credits roll.

Written, Filmed, Produced and Directed by Miriam Lyons.

Produced by John Stack.

Executive Producer, Teddy Leifer.

Editor, John Moffat.

Narrator, C.K. Nath.

Made in Association with Public Senat, Shaadi Com, T.V.O., UR.Swedish Educational
Broadcasting, V.G.T.V., Good Pitch India. Development Grant by Worldview.